Dates

Event

Circa December 1947

Constructed as a XF-85.

Contract initiated for two model 27D aircraft in 1945, which were completed in late 1947, which were then given the designation XP-85, but by the time of USAF acceptance the aircraft were redesignated as XF-85.

8 January 1948

Transported by ground. Delivered to Ames Aeronautical Research Laboratory, NAS Moffett, CA.
Replaced for 46-523 for the wind tunnel tests.

Circa April 1948

Transported by ground. Delivered to McDonnell Aircraft, Saint Louis, MO.
For preparation for flight tests.

5 June 1948

Transported by ground. Delivered to Muroc AFB, CA.

Circa June 1948

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 46-0524.

22 July 1948

First flight.
First captive flight aboard B-29. Three more captive flights were made prior to free flight.

23 August 1948

First flight.
First free flight. The test pilot detached his XF-85 from the EB-29B and flew free for 15 minutes while he evaluated the handling properties of the new fighter. Severe turbulence and loss of directional stability prevented a hook-up to the B-29. The XF-85 was slammed up against the trapeze and the canopy was shattered, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on the lakebed. (Baugher).

14 October 1948

Aircraft made three more flights.

1950

Transferred to Norton Air Force Base, CA.
Displayed in base museum.

Circa 1975

To Tallmantz Aviation, Orange County Airport, CA.

To National Museum of the United States Air Force Loan Program, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier

By 1983

Markings Applied: 22, 6522
False marks with new paint scheme.

By 1983

To Strategic Air Command Museum, Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE.
View the Location Dossier

16 September 1983

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield
Notes: At the SAC Museum, Offutt AFB, NE

Circa January 1997

Loaned to Strategic Air Command Museum, Ashland, NE.
Moved to new facility while under construction.

16 May 1998

Placed on display with Strategic Air Command Museum, Ashland, NE.
New museum opened.

17 May 1999

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield
Notes: Restoration complete, still in the restoration area

2001

Loaned to Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland, NE.
Museum name changed.
View the Location Dossier

7 August 2006

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield

25 February 2011

Photographer: John Meneely

June 2014

Photographer: Gustavo Bonilla

June 2014

Photographer: Gustavo Bonilla

June 2014

Photographer: Gustavo Bonilla

22 June 2015

Loaned to Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland, NE.
Museum name changed.
View the Location Dossier

Photographer: Betty Sherman
Notes: Photographed at the Stategic Air Command Museum.